Facilitating desired placement of a small cell

ABSTRACT

Methods and systems for facilitating placement of a small cell in a network are provided. A small cell may be positioned such that it is communicatively coupled to a macro cell to provide a relay backhaul to a wireless network. The small cell may be configured to provide feedback of some form when the small cell is moved from a suitable location, to facilitate desired placement and use of the small cell. The feedback may be in the form of reduced or changed operation of a speaker.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/358,468, filed on Nov. 22, 2016, entitled “FACILITATING DESIREDPLACEMENT OF A SMALL CELL”. The aforementioned application is assignedor under obligation of assignment to the same entity as thisapplication, and is incorporated in its entirety in this application byreference.

SUMMARY

A high-level overview of various aspects of the present technology isprovided in this section to introduce a selection of concepts that arefurther described below in the detailed description section of thisdisclosure. This summary is not intended to identify key or essentialfeatures of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used asan aid in isolation to determine the scope of the claimed subjectmatter.

In brief, and at a high level, this disclosure describes, among otherthings, methods and systems for facilitating a desired placement of asmall cell in a network to provide improved network performance, andalso, methods and systems for improving functionality of a small cellwithin a network through directional testing, listening, and control ofvarious sectors of coverage of the small cell. For example, a small cellmay be located in or around a structure (e.g., near a window of abuilding), where a backhaul relay to a macro cell separate from thesmall cell may be established to improve network communication withmobile devices in proximity to the small cell (e.g., operating insidethe structure). Feedback from a device to which the small cell iscommunicatively and/or physically coupled may be used to indicate whenthe small cell is not in a selected location or within a desireddistance of a selected location that is chosen based on one or morenetwork characteristics and/or a desired performance of the small cell.Furthermore, the small cell may be configured to utilize directionallistening to determine how the small cell should operate in the network.For example, the small cell may use directional listening to determinewhich way a macro cell is located for establishing a backhaul relay, ormay use directional listening to establish desired sector/antenna usageof the small cell based on a number of mobile devices present indifferent areas of coverage. As a result, a more customized, effective,and adaptable operation of a small cell may be possible, among otherbenefits.

In one exemplary embodiment of the present technology, an apparatus forfacilitating a desired placement of a small cell is provided. Theapparatus comprises a first device comprising a small cell, the smallcell configured to provide at least two sectors of coverage, the smallcell having one or more antennas associated with each one of the atleast two sectors of coverage, the one or more antennas configured totransmit and receive radio frequency (RF) signals over a network. Theapparatus further comprises a second device communicatively coupled tothe first device, the second device configured to provide feedback whenit is determined, by the first device, that the first device is not in aselected location.

In another exemplary embodiment of the present technology, one or morecomputer-readable media having computer-executable instructions embodiedthereon are provided that, when executed, perform a method for afacilitating desired placement of a small cell. The method comprisesreceiving an indication from a small cell that the small cell is notpositioned at a selected location, the small cell configured to provideat least two sectors of coverage, the small cell having one or moreantennas associated with each one of the at least two sectors ofcoverage, the one or more antennas configured to transmit and receiveradio frequency (RF) signals over a network. The method furthercomprises instructing a device in communication with the small cell toprovide feedback that the small cell is not positioned at the selectedlocation.

In another exemplary embodiment of the present technology, a system forfacilitating a desired placement of a small cell is provided. The systemcomprises a small cell, the small cell configured to provide at leasttwo sectors of coverage, the small cell having one or more antennasassociated with each one of the at least two sectors of coverage, theone or more antennas configured to transmit and receive radio frequency(RF) signals over a network, the small cell having one or more sensorsassociated with each one of the two or more sectors. The system furthercomprises a processor and one or more computer-readable media storingcomputer-useable instructions thereon that, when executed by theprocessor, allow the processor to determine, based on feedback from theone or more sensors of at least one of the two or more sectors, that thesmall cell is not positioned at a selected location, and instruct adevice that is in communication with the small cell to provide feedbackthat the small cell is not positioned at the selected location.

In another exemplary embodiment of the present technology, a method forimproving functionality of a small cell is provided. The methodcomprises, at a first point in time, determining that the small cell,which provides two or more sectors of coverage, is able to attach to amacro cell based on one or more factors that include at least one of athroughput, a signal level, a reference-signal-received-power (RSRP), asignal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and a signal-to-interference-plus-noiseratio (SINR). The method further comprises listening, at the small cell,directionally using the two or more sectors for one or more mobiledevices, and based on the listening, selecting at least one of the twoor more sectors to operate in a first time period, wherein a first ofthe two or more sectors faces a first directional area and a second ofthe two or more sectors faces a second directional area that isdifferent than the first directional area. The method further comprisesoperating the at least one of the two or more sectors in the first timeperiod.

In another exemplary embodiment of the present technology, a method forimproving functionality of a small cell is provided. The methodcomprises receiving an indication that a small cell having two or moresectors is to be tested to determine which of the two or more sectorsare to operate in a current time period, and listening directionally toascertain a current network performance, the current network performanceincluding readings from a relay backhaul from the small cell to a macrocell. The method further comprises determining, based on the currentnetwork performance, that at least one of the two or more sectors is tooperate in the current time period, and operating the at least one ofthe two or more sectors in the current time period.

In another exemplary embodiment of the present technology, a system forimproving functionality of a small cell is provided. The systemcomprises a processor and one or more computer-readable media storingcomputer-useable instructions thereon that, when used by the processor,allow the processor to determine to perform a first test on the smallcell to determine if at least one of two or more sectors of the smallcell is to operate during a first time period, acquire a plurality ofinformation from the first test, the plurality of information comprisinga quantity of users present in each directional area corresponding toeach sector of the two or more sectors, perform the first test, thefirst test comprising listening directionally to ascertain a currentnetwork performance, and based on the current network performance,identify the at least one of the two or more sectors.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present technology is described in detail herein with reference tothe drawing figures, which are intended to be exemplary and non-limitingin nature, wherein:

FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary computing environment suitable forpracticing an embodiment of the present technology;

FIG. 2 depicts an exemplary wireless network environment that includes asmall cell, a macro cell, and multiple mobile devices, in accordancewith an embodiment of the present technology;

FIG. 3 depicts an exemplary small cell configured to provide multiplesectors of coverage in a network, in accordance with an embodiment ofthe present technology;

FIG. 4 depicts an exemplary apparatus for improving functionality of asmall cell in a network, in accordance with an embodiment of the presenttechnology;

FIG. 5 depicts another exemplary apparatus for improving functionalityof a small cell in a network, in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent technology;

FIG. 6 depicts another exemplary apparatus for improving functionalityof a small cell in a network, in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent technology;

FIG. 7 depicts a block diagram of an exemplary method of facilitating adesired placement of a small cell in a network, in accordance with anembodiment of the present technology;

FIG. 8 depicts a block diagram of another exemplary method offacilitating a desired placement of a small cell in a network, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present technology;

FIG. 9 depicts a block diagram of an exemplary method of improvingfunctionality of a small cell in a network, in accordance with anembodiment of the present technology;

FIG. 10 depicts a block diagram of another exemplary method of improvingfunctionality of a small cell in a network, in accordance with anembodiment of the present technology; and

FIG. 11 depicts a block diagram of another exemplary method of improvingfunctionality of a small cell in a network, in accordance with anembodiment of the present technology.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The subject matter of select embodiments of the present technology isdescribed with specificity herein to meet statutory requirements.However, the description itself is not intended to define the scope ofthe invention. Rather, the claimed subject matter might be embodied inother ways to include different elements, steps, and/or combinations ofelements/steps similar to the ones described in this disclosure, and inconjunction with other present or future technologies. Terms should notbe interpreted as implying any particular order among or between varioussteps or blocks disclosed herein unless and except when the order ofindividual steps or blocks is explicitly described and required.

Throughout this disclosure, several acronyms and shorthand notations areused to aid in the understanding of certain concepts. These acronyms andshorthand notations are intended to help provide an easy methodology ofcommunicating the ideas expressed herein, and are not meant to limit thescope of the present disclosure and technology. The following is a listof the acronyms:

AMBR Aggregate Maximum Bit Rate

APN Access Point Name

BS Base Station

CDMA Code Division Multiple Access

DNS Domain Name System

eNodeB Evolved Node B

GPRS General Packet Radio Service

GSM Global System for Mobile Communications

IP Internet Protocol

IPv4 Internet Protocol Version 4

IPv6 Internet Protocol Version 6

LTE Long Term Evolution

PDN Packet Data Network

PGW PDN Gateway

QoS Quality of Service

WCDMA Wideband Code Division Multiple Access

Further, various technical terms are used throughout this description.An illustrative resource that describes these terms may be found inNewton's Telecom Dictionary, 27th Edition (2012). Additionally, as usedin this disclosure, “macro cell” refers to a cell in a wirelesscommunication network that provides coverage served by a base station(e.g., a tower), and a “small cell” refers to a cell that can be linkedto a macro cell through a relay backhaul (e.g., a network connectionwith the macro cell). A “mobile device,” as used herein, is a devicethat has the capability of using a wireless communications network. Amobile device may take on a variety of forms, such as a personalcomputer (PC), a laptop computer, a tablet, a mobile phone, a personaldigital assistant (PDA), a server, or any other device that is capableof communicating with other devices using a wireless communicationsnetwork. Additionally, embodiments of the present technology may be usedwith different technologies or standards, including, but not limited to,CDMA 1XA, GPRS, EvDO, TDMA, GSM, WiMax technology, LTE, and/or LTEAdvanced, among other technologies and standards.

Embodiments of the technology may be embodied as, among other things, amethod, a system, and/or a computer-program product. Accordingly, theembodiments may take the form of a hardware embodiment, or an embodimentcombining software and hardware. In one embodiment, the technology maytake the form of a computer-program product that includescomputer-useable instructions embodied on one or more computer-readablemedia.

Computer-readable media may include both volatile media, non-volatilemedia, removable media, non-removable media, and contemplate mediareadable by a database, a switch, and/or various other network devices.Network switches, routers, and related components are conventional innature, as are methods of communicating with the same. By way ofexample, and not limitation, computer-readable media may includecomputer storage media and/or communications media.

Computer storage media, or machine-readable media, may include mediaimplemented in any method or technology for storing information.Examples of stored information include computer-useable instructions,data structures, program modules, and other data representations.Computer storage media may include, but are not limited to, RAM, ROM,EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digitalversatile discs (DVD), holographic media or other optical disc storage,magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage, and otherstorage devices. These memory components may store data momentarily,temporarily, and/or permanently.

Communications media typically store computer-useableinstructions—including data structures and program modules—in amodulated data signal. The term “modulated data signal” refers to apropagated signal that has one or more of its characteristics set orchanged to encode information in the signal. Communications mediaincludes any information-delivery media. By way of example, but notlimitation, communications media may include wired media, such as awired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media such asacoustic, infrared, radio, microwave, spread-spectrum, and otherwireless media technologies. Combinations of the above are includedwithin the scope of computer-readable media. Communications media do notinclude signals per se.

The present technology relates generally to small cell placement,configuration, and operation. In one exemplary embodiment, a wirelesscommunication network may include a macro cell, a small cell, and one ormore mobile devices. The small cell may be positioned at a selectedlocation to provide a relay backhaul to the macro cell for increasedcommunication ability between mobile devices in proximity to the smallcell. The small cell may be connected, coupled, and/or interlinked witha device (e.g., a fan, a sign, an electronic display, a speaker, and/orsome other electronic or mechanical device), the functionality and/orcharacteristics of which are affected by the position of the small cell,such that when it is determined that the small cell is not located at aselected location, feedback and/or instruction may be provided in one ormore forms to facilitate repositioning of the small cell at the selectedlocation. Additionally, in another exemplary embodiment, directionallistening may be used to determine whether a small cell is able todetect and connect to a macro cell from its current location. The smallcell may further be configured to determine, based on the listening,which of its sectors of coverage should operate in an existing networkenvironment and/or time period (e.g., based on a number of mobiledevices in each sector, ambient noise, interference, orientation of anassociated macro cell, network performance, etc.).

Referring to the drawings in general, and initially to FIG. 1, anexemplary computing environment 10 suitable for practicing embodimentsof the present technology is provided. Computing environment 10 is butone example, and is not intended to suggest any limitation as to thescope of use or functionality of the embodiments discussed herein.Neither should the computing environment 10 be interpreted as having anydependency or requirement relating to any one or a combination ofcomponents illustrated. It should be noted that although some componentsin FIG. 1 are shown in the singular, they may be plural. For example,the computing environment 10 might include multiple processors and/ormultiple radios. As shown in FIG. 1, computing environment 10 includes abus 11 that directly or indirectly couples various components together,including memory 14, processor(s) 16, presentation component(s) 18 (ifapplicable), radio(s) 20, input/output (I/O) port(s) 22, input/output(I/O) component(s) 24, and power supply 26. More or fewer components arepossible and contemplated, including in consolidated or distributedform.

Memory 14 may take the form of memory components described herein. Thus,further elaboration will not be provided here, but it should be notedthat memory 14 may include any type of tangible medium that is capableof storing information, such as a database. A database may be anycollection of records, data, and/or information. In one embodiment,memory 14 may include a set of embodied computer-executable instructionsthat, when executed, facilitate various functions or elements disclosedherein. These embodied instructions will variously be referred to as“instructions” or an “application” for short. Processor 16 may actuallybe multiple processors that receive instructions and process themaccordingly. Presentation component 18 may include a display, a speaker,and/or other components that may present information (e.g., a display, ascreen, a lamp (LED), a graphical user interface (GUI), and/or evenlighted keyboards) through visual, auditory, and/or other tactile cues.

Radio 20 may facilitate communication with a network, and mayadditionally or alternatively facilitate other types of wirelesscommunications, such as Wi-Fi, WiMAX, LTE, and/or other VoIPcommunications. In various embodiments, the radio 20 may be configuredto support multiple technologies, and/or multiple radios may beconfigured and utilized to support multiple technologies.

The input/output (I/O) ports 22 may take a variety of forms. ExemplaryI/O ports may include a USB jack, a stereo jack, an infrared port, afirewire port, other proprietary communications ports, and the like.Input/output (I/O) components 24 may comprise keyboards, microphones,speakers, touchscreens, and/or any other item usable to directly orindirectly input data into the computing environment 10.

Power supply 26 may include batteries, fuel cells, and/or any othercomponent that may act as a power source to supply power to thecomputing environment 10 or to other network components, includingthrough one or more electrical connections or couplings. Power supply 26may be configured to selectively supply power to different componentsindependently and/or concurrently.

Exemplary Network Environment for Small Cell Use

Turning to FIG. 2, an exemplary wireless network environment 200 isprovided, in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology.The environment 200 includes a macro cell 104, a small cell 108, and aplurality of mobile devices 116 a, 116 b. FIG. 2 further depicts astructure 102 (e.g., a building) around and/or within which theplurality of mobile devices 116 a, 116 b are located. In certaincircumstances, when the small cell 108 is not used, the mobile devices116 a, 116 b may attempt to connect to the macro cell 104, or to one ormore other macro cells, to establish connection with the wirelessnetwork. However, sometimes, network factors (e.g., a physical line ofsight obstruction, signal interference, distance, ambient noise, etc.)may affect uplink/downlink, connectivity, data transfer, and/orattachment of the mobile devices 116 a, 116 b with the wireless network.Thus, use of the small cell 108 may improve network performance, asdescribed further below.

In FIG. 2, the small cell 108 is positioned and used to provide a relaybackhaul to the macro cell 104. The relay backhaul provides a connectionbetween the mobile devices 116 a, 116 b and the wireless network byallowing the mobile devices 116 a, 116 b to communicate with the macrocell 104 through the small cell 108. The small cell 108 may beconfigured to provide multiple sectors of coverage oriented inoverlapping or distinct directional areas. As shown in FIG. 2, first andsecond sectors 112, 114 are provided by the small cell 108 that serverespective first and second directional areas 111, 113. The small cell108 further includes first and second antennas 115, 117 that serve therespective first and second sectors 112, 114.

In order for the small cell 108 to provide a relay backhaul to the macrocell 104 having a desired throughput, the small cell 108 is positionedat a selected location 120 that is chosen based on one or more networkfactors and/or performance characteristics (e.g., line of sight, signalstrength, etc.). In FIG. 2, the selected location 120 is on or proximateto a window 106 of the structure 102. Positioning the small cell 108 inthe window 106 of the structure 102 may provide a relay backhaul to themacro cell 104 that is of a higher quality than when the small cell 108is positioned within the structure 102.

Additionally, the first and second sectors 112, 114 of the small cell108, and the first and second antennas 115, 117 transmitting/receivingrespective radio frequency (RF) signals over the same, may be orientedsuch that the first sector 112 is oriented at least partially towardsthe structure 102, and the second sector 114 is oriented at leastpartially away from the structure 102. As a result, the first sector 112may provide enhanced communication with mobile devices 116 a operatingwithin the structure 102, and the second sector may provide enhancedcommunication with mobile devices 116 b operating outside of thestructure 102, as well an improved relay backhaul with the macro cell104. It should be noted that one or multiple small cells, each havingtwo or more sectors of coverage oriented in various directions, may beused in the wireless communications network. Additionally, one or moremacro cells may be used to establish a relay backhaul for each smallcell. Furthermore, in addition to the arrangement shown in FIG. 2, thesmall cell 108 may be located at other locations, such as an exterior ofthe structure 102, a roof of the structure 102, and/or any otherlocations where establishing a relay backhaul is possible. The relaybackhaul may be provided through a Long Term Evolution (LTE) connectionwith the macro cell 104.

It should further be noted that the wireless communications network inwhich the small cell 108 is operating may include an array of devices orcomponents, some of which are not shown so as not to obscure otherrelevant aspects of the technology. Components that may be part of thenetwork may include one or more gateways, IPv4 DNS servers, IPv6 DNSservers, and/or translating components. Components such as terminals,links, and nodes (as well as other components) may provide connectivityin some embodiments. The network may include multiple networks, and alsomay be a network of networks. The network may be part of atelecommunications network that connects subscribers or users to theirimmediate service provider. In embodiments, the network may beassociated with a telecommunications provider that provides services tomobile devices, such as the mobile devices 116 a, 116 b. For example,the network may provide voice and/or data services to mobile devices orcorresponding users that are registered to utilize the services providedby a telecommunications provider. The network may be any communicationsnetwork providing voice and/or data service(s), such as, for example, a1× circuit voice, a 3G network (e.g., CDMA, CDMA2000, WCDMA, GSM, UMTS),or a 4G network (WiMAX, LTE, HSDPA).

Maintaining Small Cell Placement

Positioning of a small cell, such as the small cell 108 shown in FIG. 2,in a wireless communication network may affect the performance of thesmall cell (e.g., the relay backhaul), and thus, maintaining adesired/selected location of the small cell may be preferable.Accordingly, embodiments of the present technology provide for anapparatus or system by which the small cell 108 can be linked withanother device, physically and/or communicatively, to provide feedbackon the location of the small cell 108. This feedback may allow a user todirectly or indirectly be notified that the small cell 108 is no longerat a desired/selected location, and/or is no longer within a desireddistance of the desired/selected location (e.g., no longer within 10feet), in order to notify the user that the small cell should berepositioned. The feedback may be a communication, or may be a changedor reduced performance of the device linked with the small cell, amongother types of feedback. The feedback may further include instructionsfor repositioning the small cell at the desired/selected location.

Returning to FIG. 2, an apparatus for facilitating placement of thesmall cell 108 at the selected location 120 may comprise the small cell108 and a device that is communicatively and/or physically coupled tothe small cell 108 for providing feedback. The feedback, which mayinclude an indication, notification, and/or instructions, may beprovided when the small cell 108 is not positioned at the selectedlocation 120. The device may be a fan, a speaker, an electronic display,an open/closed sign, a mobile device, a radio, a computer, a Bluetoothdevice, or another electronic or mechanical device, and may alsocomprise one or multiple devices, separate or interconnected.

Instructions for repositioning the small cell 108 may include an audiblemessage, a text message, an email, and/or other visual, auditory, and/ortactile cues that indicate to reposition the small cell 108 at theselected location 120. For example, the device may comprise a mobiledevice, and a notification, such as a text message, may be sent to themobile device with instructions to reposition the small cell 108 at theselected location 120. Alternatively, the feedback may be providedthrough changed operation of the device (e.g., reduced or alteredoperation of a fan, heater/air conditioner, speaker, display, mobiledevice, wireless internet, etc.). The feedback may be triggered and/orcommunicated based on a distance of the small cell 108 from the selectedlocation 120, a signal connection between the small cell 108 and themacro cell 104 dropping below a threshold amount, and/or one or moresensors indicating that a location of the small cell 108 has changed orexceeded a predetermined distance from the selected location 120, amongother indicators and determinations. The above-listed examples areintended to be exemplary and non-limiting, and other types of feedbackare possible and contemplated herein.

Small Cell Testing, Configuration, and Optimization

In embodiments of the present technology, a small cell, such as thesmall cell 108 shown in FIG. 2, may further be configured to be tested,controlled, and/or tailored to unique environmental requirements throughdirectional testing and listening of the associated sectors of coverage.For example, referring to FIG. 2, the small cell 108 may performdirectional listening with its first and second sectors 112, 114 todetermine if it can detect and/or attach to the macro cell 104 with atleast one of the first and second sectors 112, 114 based on one or morenetwork factors such as a connectivity, signal strength, throughput, areference-signal-received-power (RSRP), a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR),and a signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR), among otherpossible factors.

Additionally, use of the small cell 108 may be tailored to thesurrounding environment by performing directional listening with thefirst and second sectors 112, 114 and the first and second antennasthereof 115, 117. For example, directional listening may allow the smallcell 108 to determine (1) if any of the mobile devices 116 a, 116 b arewithin range and/or can be served by the small cell 108, (2) a signalstrength of any of the mobile devices 116 a, 116 b in range of the smallcell 108, (3) an amount of signal power and/or sector coverage neededfrom the small cell 108, and/or (4) any other performance or coveragedeterminations.

Based on the listening performed at the small cell 108, one or both ofthe first and second sectors 112, 114 may be selected to operate asneeded. The selection of operating sectors may be based on apredetermined number of mobile devices 116 a, 116 b being within range,a minimum signal threshold with one or more of the mobile devices 116 a,116 b, and/or a signal strength or established connection with the macrocell 104. As a result, the small cell 108 can utilize only those sectorsof coverage that are needed, limiting use of unnecessary networkresources. Sector testing may also allow the small cell 108 todeactivate sectors of coverage when mobile device traffic is below athreshold amount for those sectors of coverage, or when signalinterference reduces network performance rather than improves it. Duringoperation, a relay backhaul through the small cell 108 may be monitoredover a selected period of time to provide network performance data whichcan further be used for determining sector operation. Additionally,testing of various sectors of coverage, mobile device density, andorientation and communication with nearby macro cells may be performedcontinually, on demand, or at regular intervals, to provide optimal useof network resources over time.

Referring to FIG. 3, an exemplary small cell 300 for use in a wirelesscommunications network is provided, in accordance with an embodiment ofthe present technology. The small cell 300 provides first and secondsectors of coverage 202, 204 served by respective first and secondpluralities of antennas 206 a, 206 b. The small cell 300 is able tocommunicate with mobile devices, such as mobile devices 116 a, 116 bshown in FIG. 2, as well as with macro cells, such as the macro cell 104shown in FIG. 2. The small cell 300 further includes a power supply 110and a housing 122 to which the antennas 206 a, 206 b may be coupled.Although two sectors of coverage 202, 204 are shown with the small cell300 in FIG. 3, it should be understood that any number of small cellsand associated sectors and antennas may be used to communicate with thenetwork and devices therein.

One or more mobile devices, such as the mobile devices 116 a, 116 bshown in FIG. 2, may connect to the wireless communications networkthrough the small cell 300 which provides communication with a macrocell, such as the macro cell 104 shown in FIG. 2. The mobile devices maycommunicate with the macro cell via a wireless telecommunications linkto facilitate attachment of the mobile devices to the macro cell. Onceattached, the mobile devices may also use the wirelesstelecommunications link to send and/or receive voice call information,data information, and/or information concerning device capabilities. Inone aspect, the mobile devices may utilize the wirelesstelecommunications link to send requests for content from a web-basedservice, such as, for example, a website.

Referring to FIG. 4, an apparatus 400 for improving functionality of asmall cell, such as the small cell 108 shown in FIG. 2, is provided, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present technology. In FIG. 4, theapparatus 400 comprises a first device 404 comprising a small cell and asecond device 402 comprising a fan. As described herein, the firstdevice and the second device may be communicatively and/or physicallycoupled, such that when the apparatus 400 is positioned at a selectedlocation (e.g., in a window of a building), or within a predetermineddistance of a selected location, the second device, and morespecifically the fan, may operate at a desired capacity orfunctionality. Additionally, when the apparatus 400 is positioned at theselected location, a relay backhaul may be established between the smallcell and a macro cell, allowing mobile devices in proximity to the smallcell to communicate with the wireless network through the small cell.

When the apparatus 400 is moved from the selected location, such as, forexample, due to a user repositioning the fan, the second device 402, andmore specifically the fan, may change operation to indicate to a userthat the apparatus 400 is not positioned at the selected location orwithin a desired distance of the selected location. For example, whenthe apparatus 400 is moved, the fan may provide reduced operation orstop altogether. As the apparatus 400 is relocated to the selectedlocation or to within a predetermined distance of the selected location,the fan may restore partial or full operation, indicating that theapparatus 400 is correctly positioned. As such, a user will be inclinedto keep the apparatus 400 at the selected location, which provides thedesired relay backhaul. Although a fan is provided in FIG. 4,alternative devices may be used, such as a heater/air conditioner, aclock, a decorative item, or another mechanical or electrical device.The small cell may be the small cell 108 described with respect to FIG.2. The small cell may also include one or more transmitting andreceiving components (e.g., antennas) for providing feedback to a user'smobile device regarding the position and/or operation of the apparatus400.

Referring to FIG. 5, another apparatus 500 for improving functionalityof a small cell is provided, in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent technology. The apparatus 500 comprises a first device 504comprising a small cell and a second device 502 comprising a speaker(e.g., a Bluetooth speaker). As with the apparatus 400 of FIG. 4, thesmall cell and the speaker may be physically and/or communicativelycoupled, such that when the small cell is moved from a selectedlocation, such as the selected location 120 shown in FIG. 2, or exceedsa predetermined distance from the selected location, the operation ofthe speaker may change. For example, an audible output of the speakermay be reduced or stopped, an audible message may be emitted (e.g.,“reposition speaker”), and/or a message may be sent from a Bluetoothdevice associated with the speaker to another device. The message mayprovide feedback about the position of the apparatus 500, and/or anyinstructions for repositioning the apparatus 500. Additional electronicdevices, such as screens, displays, computers, and/or other electronicdisplay and communication devices may be utilized to provide similarfunctionality.

Referring to FIG. 6, another apparatus 600 for improving functionalityof a small cell is provided, in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent technology. In FIG. 6, the apparatus 600 comprises a firstdevice 604 comprising a small cell and a second device 602 comprising anopen/closed sign. In operation, the small cell may be positioned at aselected location, such as the selected location 120 shown in FIG. 2.When the small cell is moved from the selected location, or is moved apredetermined distance from the selected location, the operation of thesecond device, and more specifically the open/closed sign, may change,such as by the open/closed sign de-illuminating, providing reducedillumination, providing a different display, or some other change infunction that is visible or audible to a user so that the user knows toreposition the apparatus 600. Additionally, the small cell may be incommunication with a mobile device to provide feedback directly to themobile device. Further, in any of the exemplary apparatuses 400, 500,600 described herein, or in any other alternative apparatuses, one ormore sensors may be utilized to provide location information for thepurposes of determining whether such apparatuses 400, 500, 600 arepositioned at or within a desired distance of the selected location. Thesensors may provide location information about the small cell, and maybe located within, or may be coupled to, the associated apparatus orsmall cell thereof.

Referring to FIG. 7, a block diagram of an exemplary method 700 offacilitating a desired placement of a small cell is provided, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present technology. At a block 702,an instruction is received at a small cell, such as the small cell 108shown in FIG. 2, that the small cell is not positioned at a selectedlocation, such as the selected location 120 shown in FIG. 2. At a block704, a device, such as the second device 404 comprising a fan shown inFIG. 4, in communication with the small cell is instructed to providefeedback that the small cell is not positioned at the selected location.

Referring to FIG. 8, a block diagram of a method 800 for facilitatingplacement of a small cell is provided, in accordance with an embodimentof the present technology. At a block 802, it is determined, based onfeedback from one or more sensors, such as a Global Positioning System(GPS) sensor or other location-based sensor(s) coupled to the smallcell, of at least one of one or more sectors, such as the first andsecond sectors 112, 114 shown in FIG. 2, of a small cell, such as thesmall cell 108 shown in FIG. 2, that the small cell is not positioned ata selected location, such as the selected location 120 shown in FIG. 2.At a block 804, a device, such as the second device 402 shown in FIG. 4,that is in communication with the small cell is instructed to providefeedback, such as reduced or altered operation of the second device orcommunication to a mobile device, that the small cell is not positionedat the selected location.

Referring to FIG. 9, a block diagram of a method 900 of improvingfunctionality of a small cell is provided, in accordance with anembodiment of the present technology. At a block 902, it is determinedthat the small cell, such as the small cell 108 shown in FIG. 2, whichprovides two or more sectors of coverage, such as the first and secondsectors 112, 114 shown in FIG. 2, is able to attach to a macro cell,such as the macro cell 104 shown in FIG. 2, based on one or morefactors, such as throughput, signal level,reference-signal-received-power (RSRP), signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), andsignal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR). At a block 904,directional listening for one or more mobile devices, such as the mobiledevices 116 a, 116 b shown in FIG. 2, occurs using the two or moresectors. At a block 906, based on the listening, at least one of the twoor more sectors is selected to operate in a first time period. A firstof the two or more sectors may face a first directional area, such asthe first directional area 111 shown in FIG. 2, and a second of the twoor more sectors may face a second directional area, such as the seconddirectional area 113 shown in FIG. 2, that is different than the firstdirectional area. At a block 908, at least one of the two or moresectors is operated in the first time period.

Referring to FIG. 10, a block diagram of a method 1000 of improvingfunctionality of a small cell is provided, in accordance with anembodiment of the present technology. At a block 1002, an indication isreceived that a small cell, such as the small cell 108 shown in FIG. 2,having two or more sectors, such as the first and second sectors 112,114, is to be tested to determine which of the two or more sectors areto operate in a current time period. At a block 1004, directionallistening is performed to ascertain a current network performance. Thecurrent network performance may include readings from a relay backhaulfrom the small cell to a macro cell, such as the macro cell 104 shown inFIG. 2, and/or factors such as throughput, signal level,reference-signal-received-power (RSRP), signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), andsignal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR). At a block 1006, it isdetermined, based on the current network performance, that at least oneof the two sectors is to operate in the current time period. At a block1008, at least one of the two or more sectors is operated in the currenttime period.

Referring to FIG. 11, a block diagram of a method 1100 of improvingfunctionality of a small cell is provided, in accordance with anembodiment of the present technology. At a block 1102, it is determinedto perform a first test on a small cell, such as the small cell 108shown in FIG. 2, to determine if at least one of two or more sectors,such as the first and second sectors 112, 114 shown in FIG. 2, is tooperate during a first time period. At a block 1104, a plurality ofinformation is acquired from the first test, the plurality ofinformation comprising a quantity of users, such as a quantity of themobile devices 116 a, 116 b shown in FIG. 2, present in each directionalarea, such as the first and second directional areas 111, 113 shown inFIG. 2, corresponding to each sector of the two or more sectors. At ablock 1106, the first test is performed, the first test comprisinglistening directionally to ascertain a current network performance. At ablock 1108, based on the current network performance, at least one ofthe two or more sectors is identified for operation.

Many different arrangements of the various components depicted, as wellas components not shown, are possible without departing from the scopeof the claims herein. Embodiments of the technology have been describedwith the intent to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Alternativeembodiments will become apparent to readers of this disclosure after andbecause of reading it. Alternative methods of implementing theaforementioned subject matter may be performed without departing fromthe scope of the claims herein. Certain features and sub-combinationsare of utility and may be employed without reference to other featuresand sub-combinations, which is contemplated as within the scope of theclaims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for facilitating a desired placementof a small cell, the apparatus comprising: a first component comprisinga small cell, the small cell configured to provide at least two sectorsof coverage, the small cell having one or more antennas associated witheach one of the at least two sectors of coverage, the at least onespeaker being configured to provide a first functionality when theapparatus is at a selected location and a second functionality inresponse to a determination, by the apparatus, that a location of thefirst component exceeds a predetermined distance from the selectedlocation, wherein the one or more antennas are configured to transmitand receive radio frequency (RF) signals over a network, and wherein theselected location is a location for positioning the first componentwhere one or more network parameters of a backhaul connectionestablished by the small cell exceeds a threshold, and wherein theselected location is at least a minimum distance from a source of thebackhaul connection; and at least one speaker coupled to the firstcomponent.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first functionalityis a first level of audio output, the second functionality is a secondlevel of audio output, and the first level of audio output is greaterthan the second level of audio output.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the first functionality comprises emitting an audio output andthe second functionality comprises not emitting the audio output.
 4. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the first functionality comprises emittinga user-controlled audio output and the second functionality is anaudible message to reposition the at least one speaker.
 5. The apparatusof claim 1, wherein the at least one speaker is physically coupled tothe first component.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the at leastone speaker is communicatively coupled to a mobile device, the at leastone speaker capable of playing music as instructed by the mobile device.7. One or more non-transitory computer-readable media having computerexecutable instructions embodied thereon that, when executed perform amethod for facilitating a desired placement of a small cell, the methodcomprising: determining that the small cell is not positioned at aselected location based on a location of the small cell exceeding apredetermined distance from the selected location, the small cellconfigured to provide at least two sectors of coverage, the small cellhaving one or more antennas associated with each one of the at least twosectors of coverage, wherein the one or more antennas are configured totransmit and receive radio frequency (RF) signals over a network; andinstructing a speaker coupled to the small cell to provide a secondfunctionality in response to the determination, the second functionalitydifferent than a first functionality, wherein the speaker provides thefirst functionality when the small cell is positioned within thepredetermined distance from the selected location, and wherein theselected location is at least a minimum distance from a source of abackhaul connection.
 8. The one or more non-transitory computer-readablemedia of claim 7, wherein the speaker is physically coupled to the smallcell.
 9. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable media of claim8, wherein the second functionality is a reduced audio output of thespeaker, with respect to the first functionality.
 10. The one or morenon-transitory computer-readable media of claim 8, wherein the secondfunctionality is stopping an audio output of the speaker.
 11. The one ormore non-transitory computer-readable media of claim 8, wherein thesecond functionality is an audible message that the speaker should berepositioned.
 12. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable mediaof claim 7, further comprising sending a message to a device comprisinga position of the small cell and instructions for repositioning thesmall cell, wherein the device is communicatively coupled to thespeaker.
 13. A system for facilitating a desired placement of a smallcell, the system comprising: a small cell, the small cell configured toprovide at least two sectors of coverage, the small cell having one ormore antennas associated with each one of the at least two sectors ofcoverage, the one or more antennas are configured to transmit andreceive radio frequency (RF) signals over a network, and the small cellhaving one or more sensors associated with each one of the two or moresectors; a speaker coupled to the small cell; a processor; and one ormore computer-readable media storing computer-useable instructionsthereon, that, when executed by the processor, allow the processor to:determine, based on feedback from the one or more sensors of at leastone of the two or more sectors, that the small cell exceeds apredetermined distance from a predetermined location, and instruct thespeaker to provide a second functionality, the second functionalitydifferent than a first functionality, wherein the speaker is instructedto perform the first functionality when it is determined that the smallcell is within the predetermined distance from the predeterminedlocation, and wherein the predetermined location is at least a minimumdistance from a source of a backhaul connection.
 14. The system of claim13, wherein the speaker is physically coupled to the small cell.
 15. Thesystem of claim 14, wherein the second functionality is a reduced audiooutput of the speaker, relative to the first functionality.
 16. Thesystem of claim 14, wherein the second functionality is stopping anaudio output of the speaker.
 17. The system of claim 13, wherein thespeaker is capable of being communicatively coupled to a mobile devicevia a Bluetooth connection.
 18. The system of claim 13, wherein thepredetermined location is a location in which the small cell has abackhaul connection to at least one macro cell, wherein the backhaulconnection exceeds a threshold.